Faith: A Big Adventure

Updated on September 9, 2014

Great Enthusiasms

One
doesn’t have to be a skateboard champion or climb Mount Everest to have an
adventurous life—one doesn’t have to risk life and limb to know what Theodore
Roosevelt referred to as the great
enthusiasms, the great devotions.

Life
is to be lived—we are to rise to the challenges, accepting them as an entirely natural
unpacking of the word normal. We are not to squirm away from adversity or whine when
the course of events do not unfold according to our plans or expectations.

To
live is be a risk-taker. We seldom perceive it as thus, but every day comes
with its chances—to get out of bed in the morning means being prepared for the
highs, lows, and all the in-betweens.

The
dips and dives are counterweights to the joys and triumphs—in life no one gets
to pick and choose what gets put on their plate. No one chooses defeat or
failure; no one chooses pain—those things come as a result of a poor decision,
sickness, disease, accident, or for no reason or rhyme that can be figured or
categorized.

Life
is a smorgasbord that loads us up with good and bad stuff. The only question
that matters is, what attitude and approach do we bring to life?

Of all the
variables at play, our mindset and perspective are the only things over which
we have any control. For
Christians, to be in tune with God and responsive to the Holy Spirit is where
the great enthusiasms begin. The Holy
Spirit guides us, and then our obedience empowers us to go where we’re led—every
Christ-follower should be immersed in the great
devotions.

Consider
an episode in Phillip’s life as a fine example for us to emulate.

Acts 8:26-40 - The Message

Later God's angel spoke
to Philip: "At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road
that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza." He got up and went. He met an
Ethiopian eunuch coming down the road. The eunuch had been on a pilgrimage to
Jerusalem and was returning to Ethiopia, where he was minister in charge of all
the finances of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was riding in a chariot and
reading the prophet Isaiah.

The Spirit told Philip, "Climb into the
chariot." Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and
asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?"

He answered, "How can I without some
help?" and invited Philip into the chariot with him. The passage he was
reading was this:

As a sheep led to slaughter,
and quiet as a lamb being sheared,
He was silent, saying nothing.
He was mocked and put down, never got a
fair trial.
But who now can count his kin
since he's been taken from the earth?

The eunuch said, "Tell me, who is the prophet
talking about: himself or some other?" Philip grabbed his chance. Using
this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.

As they continued down the road, they came to a
stream of water. The eunuch said, "Here's water. Why can't I be
baptized?" He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the
water, and Philip baptized him on the spot. When they came up out of the water,
the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch
saw of him. But he didn't mind. He had what he'd come for and went on down the
road as happy as he could be.

Philip showed up in Azotus and continued north,
preaching the Message in all the villages along that route until he arrived at
Caesarea.

Faith: To Be ReadyWherever one is on their faith journey, it's not the destination. We may be inclined to settle in, but that's not Gods intention for us--the status quo is never an acceptable landing place. God is always calling us to a higher goal--God always. . .

Open & Available

Here’s a reality from
which we often shrink: When we are attuned to the Holy Spirit we are open,
ready, and available to be used by God.

An angel gave Philip
clear orders to get up and go to the road that went from Jerusalem to Gaza.
Note that Philip didn’t ask why or what he was to do when he got there, which
is kind of different from our customary response.

We tend to want all
our questions answered before we ever take a step of faith—we’d like all the issues
to be addressed, thank you very much. We mostly seem unwilling to
leave any whats, hows or whys in God’s hands.

However, dynamic
Christian living is based on the application of eternal principles. Philip knew
the stirring secret of obedience—he got up and went. He leaned into God’s call
and didn’t put it off.

That same possibility
exists for each of us when we are intentionally aligned with God, which sounds
just dandy and spiritual, but our lives are not neatly divided into safe nooks
and crannies. We plug away in the muck and mire of a fallen world populated by
broken, wounded, striving, and flawed people just like us.

The oft-time misguided
inclination is to attempt to separate our lives into sacred and secular
compartments—we endeavor to relegate or regulate God to only specific
areas. That effort is a sad delusion that breaks down by putting a miniscule
amount of brain power to work.

Being a Christian is
not about following traditions and hitting marks set by others. Rather, it is a
fluid relationship with a Supernatural Being who desires to be a part of our
lives. God does not want to be disregarded or put on hold for all the everyday
decisions. Our faith—our relationship
with God—must permeate all arenas of our lives. To seek first the kingdom of
God means implementing our faith every day in every way.

There’s no invisible
dividing line between the sacred and secular. If Christ is alive and well in
our hearts—if our eternal God is everpresent—then explain how we can possibly
make this mental gymnastic leap to compartmentalize our lives.

Does Christ living in
us close his eyes and plug his ears when we are not engrossed in “Christian” activities? Does our
everpresent God ignore us when we go through the routine and mundane aspects of
the daily grind? Does our all-knowing Heavenly Father pay no attention to us
unless we’re gathered together in a sacred assembly?

Or is God always
watching, guiding, guarding—is God concerned about every detail of our lives?

When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word
What glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he
abides with us still, and with
all who will trust and obey.
~John H. Sammis~

Trust & Obey

God is thoroughly familiar with all our ways—God guides his people. We are designed to live in connection with our Heavenly Father—he desires to communicate and get through to us by inspiring thoughts, directions, intuition, and insights from his Word.

Philip was given just enough guidance to change his plans and go in a new direction. What trust and flexibility. God directs us both into and in the situations he has prepared for us. Philip obeyed. He believed that the Lord knew what he was doing and could leave the results to him.

If only we would exercise that kind of faith and obedience, trusting God to be God—what adventures we’d experience if we emphatically put into practice the great songs we know by rote, and sing loud and proud. We worship with arms raised and bodies swaying. The words leap off our tongues with joy but then all too frequently a disconnect takes place. Fact is, Christians don’t ordinarily tell lies, but we do sing them.

The message we often send to God is quite different from the Sunday morning catchphrases. We sing about surrender and claim God’s supremacy in our lives, but then, by active choice or default disobedience we say, do not lead us where we do not want to go—don’t shake us out of our comfortable complacency.

In our earthbound perspective we examine everything from a purely human-centric viewpoint, leaving no room for the supernatural. We want all our whats, hows, and whys answered before we venture out in faith.

Despite our stiff-necked ways God is with us for the long haul. He beckons us with grace—we are to be engaged in continual growth so that more and more we trust God with each miniscule detail.

God's Timing

Note in the text from
Acts that timing is everything. Philip was told to get up and go to a specific
place and it is obvious that his compliance was important to the Lord’s timing.
God wanted Philip on that specific road at a specific time.

Philip walked that
desert road. He trusted and obeyed God. Think of the times we may have missed
God’s timing because we kept waiting for the Big Picture to unfold completely before we’d acquiesce to his
promptings.

Philip didn’t wait.
Also note that the end result of Philip’s assent was that God transformed a
human being—ultimately that’s what every believer in Jesus Christ is supposed
to be eagerly involved in.

When we boil the Great Commandment and Great Commission down to bumper-sticker
sound-bites it’s transparently uncomplicated: God asks us to love him with
everything we’ve got, love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and share the
good news with everyone. However, the living it
is complex and radically difficult—it’s impossible to love God with everything
we’ve got if we are not yielding to his leadings.

The Ethiopian had
risen to a position of influence serving the queen of Ethiopia. Even so, all
the outward manifestations of success did not satisfy the longings of his inner
being for truth and significance in life.

Philip was at God’s
beck and call, grounded in the Scriptures, and knew the overwhelming hope
expressed by the prophet Isaiah. Better than that, Philip was aware of the rest
of the story—Philip knew the fulfillment and completion of that hope in Jesus
Christ. Philip had experienced the good news that the Ethiopian was hungering
to hear.

Be encouraged that God
had the nitty-gritty nuts and bolts figured out perfectly. When the Ethiopian
was ready to make a commitment, in the middle of the desert there was water for
baptism. Philip baptized the Ethiopian and he went on his way rejoicing in his
new life.

Bold & Courageous

Why be adventurous?
Simply because God calls us out of darkness and into light—God promises that he
will never leave or forsake us, and he requires inch by inch, step by step
obedience.

If the Holy Spirit is
within, he’s prompting us to be bold and courageous.

Let us seize hold of the great enthusiasms, the great devotions—let
us honor the One who invites us to participate in his redemption story.

God is in the business
of changing sinners into sinners saved by GRACE.
That’s an exciting adventure worthy of the best we have to offer.

Wanted ManWanted Man a.k.a. Ken R. Abell, seeks to be a blessing to others. He's a rake, a rambler, and a teller of tales who understands that there is strength in a story well told and well lived. To learn more, inquire or schedule him, visit this web site.

What's Up With Micah 6:8?The old man moved slowly along the sidewalk. He was stooped over and leaning on a battered cane. Strings of scarecrow-like hair poked out from under a battered ballcap that he wore at an odd angle. The cap seemed. . .

Comments 28 comments

Ken, This was a wonderful sermon really. Oh, to be more like Phillip and simply obey immediately. I very much enjoyed this hub and feel uplifted spiritually.

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

Thank you, Pamela. Blessings & encouragement to you.

Judicastro 5 years ago from birmingham, Alabama

Very well said Ken! I felt every word and hardily agree. This phrase caught my eye "Of all the variables at play, our mindset and perspective are the only things over which we have any control". I have often said that when we cannot control or change our circumstances we can choose our attitude in which to wait. I grew up with God in a very nice little box. It's only been in the last 20+ years that I have realized that there is so much more to this walk with Him that I could have ever imagined. It's an amazing ride and it just keeps getting better! Bless you Ken and thanks for this hub!

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

Judicastro - You're welcome. Thank you for you kind words of affirmation. Blessings.

Dave Mathews 5 years ago from NORTH YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA

Brother Ken; "To live is to be a risk taker" I can identify with this as long as I have prayed over such an endeavour and asked God to join in the adventure. I would never take a step, without knowing that God has approved it, and that He is right there incase difficulty or trouble arose.

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

Thanks, Dave. Good words & insights. Blessings.

Cari Jean 5 years ago from Bismarck, ND

I had to smile when I came across your question, "is God concerned about every detail in our lives?" HE IS! I just wrote a devotional on that very topic. Awesome hub, makes me want to take more risks!

Thank you for a great read. I believe God is active in every itty bitty detail of my life. I can't imagine that he is not. Nothing surprises me and I try not to be overwrought in any situation. I know He is totally in control.

Once we start living the adventure of our Christian faith, there is never a boring moment. He leads every minute of the day and I never know where or how my day is going to end up.

I don't want to be redundant Ken so I will only type AMEN! once, but I could easily do it a thousand times. Being ready to step up to the plate when the Lord asks us too is our calling - our faithful calling. He has faith that we will do what needs to be done in the face of all adversity and challenges. He has faith in us, that our faith in Him will see the simplest things in life as formidable and as wonderful as the mighty things in life. We need to enjoy every piece of the smorgasbord for all of it working for good. Peace

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

AM - Thanks for the big AMEN. Much appreciated. And really enjoyed this phrase: "We need to enjoy every piece of the smorgasbord for all of it working for good." AMEN. Blessings.

Richieb799 5 years ago from Cardiff, Wales UK

I like the point about counterweights, it is nice to look back in hindsight!

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

Thanks, Richie. I appreciate your words.

FaithDream 5 years ago from (Midwest) USA

Loved your article on Faith. To me, Faith bridges understanding with hope. I'd like to think because of my faith, I'm making a difference.

Your article is inspiring. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Tamarajo 5 years ago from Southern Minnesota

wow! Guess I needed to read this today. The compartmentalization of everything is something I fight with and change usually doesn't fit into anyone of my boxes. I wonder how many divine appointments I miss.

The whole hub is a good attitude check. I had a flat tire yesterday. I had big plans for the day. Goals I wished to accomplish. initially it seemed like a minor glitch after finding someone to help me change it but it ended up being an all day problem with the tire being unrepairable to tire shops being booked and others not having a compatible tire. Needless to say my attitude did not "rise to the challenge" I definitely "squirmed" and "whined".

Great course correction and attitude adjuster. Thanks for the straight talk.

Tamarajo - You're welcome. Thank you for stopping in & sharing words of testimony. Peace & many blessings to you.

vocalcoach 5 years ago from Nashville Tn.

AMEN, Ken!!! Everyone would benefit in their life and find many answers with your inspiring words. I have. When you wrote "to get out of bed in the morning means being prepared for the highs, lows, and all the in-betweens", it really did hit home. This is a life-changing piece of work Ken and and you are to be commended for writing it. You have a way of imparting truth and it strikes the very heart and soul, bringing joy as it "feels" so right. Thank you with all my heart for this timely and much needed message. I just may be your biggest fan! :)

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

vocalcoach - Thank you so much for your kind & generous words. I have been/will be greatly encouraged by them. Peace & blessings to you.

jagandelight 5 years ago from Florida

Great hub on faith.

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

Thank you, jagandelight.

Saintatlarge 5 years ago from Canada

Thx Ken, enjoyed this hub greatly. Seize the moment, for they are too soon gone! Philip was a unique individual, and we have much to learn from him and "his simple obedience." Interesting also, is that Ethiopia had a rich godly heritage and this showing how God is no respecter of persons. This may have been a starting point of the gospel to Ethiopia? "You will find me... when you seek me with all of your heart." The eunuch proving this word of God true. Blessings St.L

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

Saintatlarge - You're welcome. Thanks for your good words. I suspect that the eunuch was indeed the starting poing of the gospel in Ethiopia. Blessings.

susansisk 5 years ago from Georgia, USA

Great stuff. We need to have a child like faith, and enthusiasm. Children are able to be so much more adventurous and trusting than us adults.

Ken R. Abell 5 years ago from ON THE ROAD Author

susansisk - Thank you. And yes, you are exactly right, we have so much to learn from children. Blessings.